Animal Update: Bayley

Our Animal Care and Welfare team is currently monitoring Bayley’s health closely after she started to display signs of gastro-intestinal distress earlier this week.

Published March 02, 2018

Updated: March 13, 2018

Our Animal Care and Welfare staff is pleased with Bayley’s progress over the last couple of days! We are still taking it day by day, but are happy she is showing a renewed interest in food and other positive signs. Bayley is still receiving fluids, antibiotics and daily ultrasounds to monitor her progress. We hope to get her back to normal levels soon!Thanks to everyone for your well wishes for Bayley!

Original post: March 2, 2018

Bayley, who at 9 years old is our youngest female dolphin, has undergone a comprehensive range of diagnostic procedures, including blood and fecal sampling, ultrasounds, an endoscopy and x-rays. In examining the diagnostic results and consulting with both in-house and external dolphin veterinary experts, we believe she has pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which is also impacting her liver, stomach, and is causing a bacterial infection. In dolphins, the pancreas sits next to the liver and stomach. Given their close proximity, disease in the pancreas can oftentimes lead to issues in the surrounding organs. This is consistent with Bayley's clinical signs and diagnostic tests.

In addition to fluids, antibiotics and pain medication, Bayley is currently on a light diet of ice cubes, "fishsicles" and gelatin. Her energy and appetite come and go at the moment, but our staff is always at the ready with ice and her favorite toys should she show signs of wanting to interact or play!

In the days ahead, staff will continue to bring experts on-site for consultation and perform any necessary medical procedures to help Bayley recover. They'll be looking for her blood work, appetite and energy levels to improve as key signs that she is on the mend.

As we continue to treat Bayley, we'll be sure to keep you updated on her status!